Mike Tyson is stepping back into the boxing ring at 58 years old. The former heavyweight champion will face YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul on November 15, nearly 20 years after his last professional fight.
Tyson's return has raised eyebrows in the boxing world. His last pro bout in 2005 ended with him retiring on his stool against Kevin McBride. At that time, Tyson seemed to have lost his passion for the sport.
"I'm just fighting to take care of my bills basically, I don't have the stomach for this no more. I'm more conscious of my children, looking at my appearance… I don't have that ferocity. I'm not an animal anymore."
Fast forward to today, and many wonder if this fight with Paul can change the sad ending to Tyson's career. Kevin McBride, the last man to face Tyson professionally, doesn't think so. He predicts a quick win for Iron Mike.
"Jake Paul's getting a little bit better, he's getting more ring experience, but he's going to find out the power Tyson has," McBride said. "Paul is maybe half the age of Tyson but Tyson is so dangerous. Power is the last thing you lose."
McBride believes Tyson's competitive nature and desire to win will be too much for Paul to handle. He pointed out that recent training videos show Tyson still has incredible power.
"You can see it on the videos he's posting, it may only be a short video, but it's unbelievable power. All Mike has to do is connect and Jake Paul will be seeing Christmas lights for the next week. He'll time him in the first couple rounds and it will be over."
The fight is set for eight two-minute rounds, a format that's got some questioning how effective Tyson can be. But McBride insists that Tyson's power remains a threat, even in short bursts.
This bout was initially postponed due to medical reasons. Now, it's back on for November 15. Paul will need to bring his A-game if he hopes to survive against a legend like Tyson, even if that legend is well past his prime.
